After we finished up our leisurely lunch, we headed out to Kerið crater. Drew told us they’re not really certain if it’s a crater or actually a caldera. (I believe a crater is from a volcanic explosion, and a caldera is from a volcanic implosion. Or something like that.)
It’s a pretty area, and the water is a really crazy shade of green. We were given some time to either walk around the rim of the crater or walk down to the bottom. I chose to walk the rim.
This was *supposed* to be a jumping shot, but my hiking boots were a bit heavier than I realized, and I didn’t get much air. I like this shot anyways!
We had a fairly long time at the crater, then headed back to the bus for our last activity – horseback riding on Icelandic horses! I’d been torn all along as to whether or not I was going to do this activity. I’d read that the Icelandic horses have a very gentle gait, and was encouraged by
@kristilew and others to go for it. But others had said it caused them back problems.
When we got to the horse farm, it had started raining. We were split into 2 groups. One for experienced riders, and one for the rest of us. First they suited up and started out the experienced group, and I hemmed, and hawed. We had one woman in the group who was an experienced horsewoman, but she wasn’t riding because she’d hurt her back just days before the trip. She told me that if she hadn’t just hurt her back, she’d totally be riding, and encouraged me to do it. So I finally figured what the heck, I’d give it a try. Plus, one of the other women in our group said she’d been told to hold herself up and not rely on the horse to hold her up, and that actually really helped me find my balance, and ride more steadily. Plus it *really* gave my abs a workout!
This is the experienced rider group.
As we started out riding, the rain stopped, and it actually turned into a gorgeous afternoon. It was a really pretty area, and a very pleasant ride. And I’m happy to report, it did not hurt my back at all!
I didn’t get any pictures while actually on the horse ride, as I had my camera in my travel purse, which I realized I was not going to be able to wear while on horseback (I was having issues with my balance, and the purse just made me too lopsided.) So Stebbi took it to put it back on the bus. Plus, I was holding onto the reigns and the front of the saddle for dear life, because I never did feel totally centered on that saddle! So I probably wouldn't have been able to manage the camera anyways! Despite all that, I *did* enjoy it, and was glad I’d chosen to participate.
After that, we headed back to the hotel. Tonight was what would normally be the Junior Adventurer night. So we all had dinner at the hotel restaurant, Slipbarinn. It was included, but at your leisure. I ended up joining SCFamily4 and her DH at the best seat in the place, alongside a very large window looking out over the harbor. The food was very good and HUGE portions!
Another rainbow at dinner.
After that, I headed back to my room to pack up and then head to bed, as the next morning we were heading out on our marathon day to Vik and Southern Iceland.
Up next: Day 3: I Only Have Ice for You.